Monday, April 23, 2012

Glenmorangie Artein

Artein is a recent release by Glenmorangie. Per the ad copy, "Scots Gaelic for stone ‘Artein’ is an intriguing assemblage of 15 and 21 Years Old Glenmorangie, extra matured in ‘Super Tuscan’ wine casks." Those wine casks are said to be Sassicaia, a Bordeaux style Tuscan wine.

Glenmorangie Artein, 15 years old, 46% abv ($80)

The nose on this is sweet and perfumed with lots of fruit and floral notes. I get pears, rosewater and fruit cocktail. The palate surprises with a dry malt early on cushioned by the perfume which then fades into those syrupy, floral notes that were on the nose and then a quite sweet white grape juice. The finish is a slightly malty rosewater reduction.

I thought this was fine, but it certainly didn't excite me much. On balance it's a bit too sweet, and I must admit, perfume and flowers are not my ideal flavor notes. It takes its place among many other good but not great malts.

2 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Had a chance to sample this some time back when it first came out. Was not very impressed with the profile. Enjoy Redbreat and Glenmorangie Original much more for a fraction of the price. These have the taste I prefer when relaxing with a Scotch or Irish whisky. Guess it is the aging in the wine casks which makes the difference and I prefer traditional aging techniques.